Menstrual Hygiene Day: 7 Talks On Menstrual Hygiene And Mental Well Being
Muskan Kalra
May 28, 2025
How menstrual cycles can affect mood, anxiety levels, and overall mental well-being.
Mindfulness, exercise, nutrition, and hygiene routines that help balance physical and emotional health.
The importance of open conversations to reduce stigma and shame linked to periods.
How lack of access can cause stress, embarrassment, and impact self-esteem.
Addressing psychological symptoms associated with PMS, PMDD, and other conditions.
Creating safe spaces for discussion and providing resources.
Teaching menstrual health as a part of holistic well-being and mental health awareness. Read Next Story
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The human gut, housing approximately 40 trillion microbes, serves as far more than a digestive organ—it functions as a complex ecosystem that fundamentally influences hormonal health, particularly in women. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now This intricate relationship between gut health and female hormones creates a bidirectional pathway where imbalances in one system significantly affect the other, impacting everything from menstrual cycles to mood regulation. The Science Behind the Gut-Hormone Axis At the heart of this connection lies the estrobolome, a specialized collection of gut bacteria responsible for metabolizing estrogens. These bacteria produce β-glucuronidase, an enzyme that determines whether estrogen is recycled within the body or properly eliminated. When gut bacteria become imbalanced—a condition known as dysbiosis—this delicate process becomes disrupted, potentially leading to excess estrogen or estrogen dominance. This hormonal imbalance manifests in various ways, contributing to common conditions like premenstrual syndrome (PMS), endometriosis, and uterine fibroids. Additionally, chronic gut issues such as irritable bowel syndrome or leaky gut syndrome can trigger systemic inflammation and elevate cortisol levels, further disrupting the delicate balance between progesterone and estrogen. How Gut Issues Affect Hormonal Health Several gut-related conditions directly impact hormonal regulation. Leaky gut syndrome allows toxins and bacteria to enter the bloodstream, triggering inflammation that disrupts hormone production. Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) interferes with nutrient absorption and hormone detoxification processes. Perhaps most significantly, constipation prevents proper estrogen elimination, causing the hormone to be reabsorbed and potentially leading to estrogen dominance. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The Reverse Effect: How Hormones Impact Digestion The relationship works both ways. Fluctuating estrogen and progesterone levels throughout the menstrual cycle directly affect gut motility and sensitivity. During the luteal phase, elevated progesterone slows digestion, often causing bloating and constipation. Major hormonal transitions like pregnancy and menopause can alter gut microbiota composition, affecting both digestion and inflammatory responses. PMS and the Gut Connection For women experiencing PMS, the gut microbiome plays a crucial role in symptom severity. Dysbiosis can lead to estrogen dominance, triggering mood swings, breast tenderness, bloating, and heavy periods. The gut's role in neurotransmitter production is equally important—approximately 90% of serotonin, the "feel-good" neurotransmitter, is produced in the gut. A disrupted microbiome can reduce serotonin levels, contributing to PMS-related mood symptoms including irritability, anxiety, and depression. PCOS: A Complex Gut-Hormone Interaction Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) demonstrates another dimension of the gut-hormone relationship. Women with PCOS often experience insulin resistance, which gut dysbiosis can worsen by increasing systemic inflammation and impairing glucose metabolism. The condition is also associated with chronic low-grade inflammation, where a disrupted gut barrier allows endotoxins to enter the bloodstream, exacerbating PCOS symptoms and contributing to elevated androgen levels. Practical Strategies for Supporting Gut and Hormonal Health Supporting both systems requires a comprehensive approach focusing on nutrition and lifestyle modifications. Fiber-rich foods like leafy greens, oats, flaxseeds, and berries help regulate blood sugar while supporting beneficial gut bacteria and assisting in excess estrogen elimination. 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India.com
4 days ago
- India.com
Menstrual Hygiene Day: 7 Talks On Menstrual Hygiene And Mental Well Being
Muskan Kalra May 28, 2025 How menstrual cycles can affect mood, anxiety levels, and overall mental well-being. Mindfulness, exercise, nutrition, and hygiene routines that help balance physical and emotional health. The importance of open conversations to reduce stigma and shame linked to periods. How lack of access can cause stress, embarrassment, and impact self-esteem. Addressing psychological symptoms associated with PMS, PMDD, and other conditions. Creating safe spaces for discussion and providing resources. Teaching menstrual health as a part of holistic well-being and mental health awareness. Read Next Story
Indian Express
6 days ago
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‘Milegi dulhan wali raunak': Bhagyashree recommends saffron (kesar) water to combat skin dullness
Actor Bhagyashree, known for sharing her best-kept fitness, diet and beauty secrets with her followers on social media, recently shared a skincare tip that has caught people's attention. In a recent video posted on Instagram, she said, 'Dust aur pollution ki wajah se agar aapki skin sad si lagg rahi hai, toh aapko zaroori hai andar ki radiance ki (If your skin looks dull due to dust and pollution, you need inner radiance).' She added, 'Agle 15 dinn ke liye, khaali pet, yeh zaroor pee lijiye — kesar ka paani. Kesar skin brighten ke saath saath, pigmentation ko reduce karta hai aur aapke skin texture ko collagen boost deta hai, jisse aapke chehre ko milegi dulhan wali raunak (For the next 15 days, make sure to drink saffron water on an empty stomach. Saffron not only brightens the skin but also reduces pigmentation and boosts collagen, giving your face a bridal glow).' According to her, consuming 10-15 strands of kesar (saffron) in lukewarm water every morning on an empty stomach can help prevent skin dullness caused by pollution and dust. Kanikka Malhotra, consultant dietician and certified diabetes educator, told 'Saffron contains potent antioxidants like safranal, which may help combat free radicals and reduce oxidative stress associated with UV exposure, potentially improving skin health. Saffron can inhibit melanin production and promote collagen synthesis, the scientific evidence supporting its oral consumption for skin protection against pollution remains limited.' Furthermore, Malhotra added that high-quality saffron is expensive and excessive consumption can lead to adverse reactions. While saffron may enhance skin brightness and hydration, it should not replace established skincare practices like sunscreen use and a balanced diet. A post shared by Bhagyashree (@ Aside from skin health, Malhotra said that saffron has numerous nutritional benefits because of its 'high concentration of antioxidants and bioactive compounds' such as safranal, and kaempferol. Antioxidants neutralise free radicals in the body and help to decrease oxidative stress that contributes to several chronic diseases. Khushboo Jain Tibrewala, nutritionist and diabetes educator, and the founder of The Health Pantry, also noted, 'Saffron is one of those rare ingredients that is beneficial for internal health as well as for vanity. It also boosts fat loss in the body. Saffron is anti-inflammatory, immune-boosting, antioxidant-rich and improves PMS symptoms and helps regularise periods in women with PCOS.' 'Saffron may improve eye health as its carotenoids can protect against macular degeneration. Saffron may also improve sleep and enhance libido when used regularly in meals. Given its cost and potency, saffron should be used judiciously, even with these significant health benefits beyond skin health,' Malhotra mentioned. Malhotra informed, 'Saffron's recommended daily intake for safety is ≤1.5 grams. At culinary amounts (e.g., a few strands), it is generally safe with minimal side effects. However, exceeding 5 grams daily risks toxicity, including nausea, dizziness, headaches, and gastrointestinal distress. Severe overconsumption (10–20 g) may cause seizures, liver/kidney damage, or even fatality.' She continued, 'Pregnant individuals should strictly avoid doses ≥5 g due to uterine stimulation and miscarriage risks. While saffron's antioxidants (safranal) offer health benefits, high supplemental doses can trigger allergic reactions, mood swings, or bleeding complications in those on blood thinners. Moderate culinary use is safe, but prioritise reputable sources to avoid adulteration.' DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
